Pakatan Harapan (PH) has anticipated various political strategies from its rivals, including any possible cooperation between Barisan Nasional (BN) and Perikatan Nasional (PN) ahead of the Negeri Sembilan state election.
DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke said PH would not be affected by any arrangements made by opposing parties, citing previous political developments, including the Johor state election.
He said PH would instead concentrate on strengthening its own machinery and ensuring unity among its component parties to secure the seats it is contesting.
“Such strategies from PN and BN were already expected and that is their choice. PH will focus on our own strengths to win the seats we are contesting.
“What matters is the strength and cooperation among PH component parties in facing the election. Ultimately, it will be the people who decide,” he told reporters after launching the MADANI Village Adoption Programme, MADANI Adopted School Programme and MADANI Outreach Programme by the Transport Ministry at Kampung Mantin Dalam on Thursday.
Loke was responding to questions on the cooperation between BN and PAS, including seat allocation discussions and negotiations for the Negeri Sembilan polls.
On expectations of a closely contested election, including claims that Chinese voters could shift support towards opposition parties such as MCA, Loke said voters would ultimately determine the outcome.
He added that PH was prepared to provide strong competition, stressing that claims of support from any party before polling day would only be proven through the final results.
Loke, who is also the Chennah state assemblyman, said the performance of the Negeri Sembilan government under Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun since 2018 would be one of PH’s key strengths in gaining public confidence.
Meanwhile, on the political situation in Melaka following DAP Melaka’s decision to withdraw from the state administration over the appointment issue involving appointed assemblymen, Loke said the decision was final.
He said PH respected the decision and noted that the state government had already adjusted the seat arrangements in the state assembly.
Separately, Loke dismissed claims that the MADANI Village Adoption Programme was a seasonal initiative linked to elections.
He said the programme had been implemented continuously by various ministries since 2025 to improve basic facilities and enhance the well-being of rural communities.
Kampung Baru Mantin was selected under the MADANI Village Adoption Programme, while Kampung Mantin Dalam was chosen under the MADANI Outreach Programme. SJKC Chung Hua Mantin was also selected as a MADANI Adopted School.
